Your mileage may vary...
I know the F1 is not an HRII and vice versa.
However where do guys go to get their F1 or HRII transition training? I'm a previous RV-4 guy but tailwheel time is on the low side and several years back even among current RV guys to spite my 17,000+ total time in jets and turboprops. Will insurance companies take an RV-8 checkout combined with some other Rocket instruction in the pilot's aircraft as good enough to qualify? Thank you all.
Eddie,
As mentioned above, your Four was a great warm up for the F-1 or HR2.
If you haven't flown a TD in awhile, ride along in a Luscombe, Champ or RV will help. The biggest difference you will notice in the Rocket is forward visibility in three point stance or specifically,
the lack thereof. The Rocket requires S-Taxiing to maintain forward vis, especially on narrow taxiways where a Four(especially short gear) doesn't.
I tended to wheels land my HR2 on pavement for better visibility as the springy titanium gear seemed better suited to the weight distribution, increased forward visibility and rudder effectiveness in crosswinds. I planned a full stall three point on turf, especially the soft wet variety like my home drome. Better prop clearance, less chance of a tip over if soft and shorter stopping distance. I also installed 380X150X5 tires on my HR2 which helped immensely
on all surfaces.
Insurance, a whole nuther animal.
The Rockets (HR2 or F-1) are considered by many aircraft insurance companies as a specific type and not group typed with the RV's. There is safety in numbers apparently due to the rates offered the RV's however the Rocket's small numbers (less than 150 flying) and number of taxi, landing accidents drives their rates higher. Shop around. I have over 5000 hours of TW time towing banners in my youth and 25 years of RV8-ing, over 20K total in everything from turboprops to the Viper. Doesn't matter, the Rocket costs more.
Congrats, it's a great airplane. I miss mine, but not the bills.
V/R
Smokey